RULES FOR THE 2013 SOLAR CAR CHALLENGE

Important DatesSeptember 1 to January 31 - “Intent-to-Race” Form

This notifies Race Officials of your team’s plan to participate in the Solar Car Challenge, and places your team on a mailing list to receive all event information

February 1st - Preliminary Registration Document This document includes early mechanical drawings and

electrical schematics, and helps Race Officials know basic information about your planned solar car.

[See Forms Section for format]

June 1st - Final Registration DocumentThis set of documents provides full documentation about your

project as required in Rule 3.6. [See Forms Section for format]

Rule OverviewSections 1 – 3 Purpose, Administration,

Entries and RegistrationsFinal Report requirements due June 1st:(1) Detailed drawings showing mechanical structure, including

“crush zones.”(2) Detailed schematic / wiring diagram showing electrical system.(3) Digital team photo(4) Manufacturer’s data sheets for batteries(5) Manufacturer’s data sheets for solar array, including list price

[Rule 3.6]

NEW: No amendments to final report without written approval fromEvent Director [Rule 3.7]

Sections 5: SOLAR CAR REGULATIONS 5.1 – Dimensions – 5m x 1.8m x 1m 5.2 – Structure – teams must be able to demonstrate specific, adequate “crush zones.”

5.2.1 – Stability [Tilt Test]5.2.2 – Body of Vehicle – windshields required, but body is

not required unless judges determine that driving without a body would be unsafe. A belly pan is

required. 5.2.3 – Roll Cage (required dimensions)5.2.4 – Roll Bar (required dimensions)

5.3 – Power5.3.1 – Size of array5.3.2 – Array configuration

5.4 – Storage of Solar Radiation in Batteries (no capacitors)5.4.3 – Main Battery Pack Fuse [125% expected current

and in separate enclosure for fuse] 5.4.4. – Battery Enclosure / Fans

5.4.5 – Supplemental Batteries – powers radios, cameras,telemetry, battery box fans, forced air ventillation,lights, computers, etc. [Requires Low Battery Warning device audible to driver. Enclosure required.]

5.4.6 – Disconnect Switches5.4.6.1 – Motor Disconnect [2 separate switches] 5.4.6.2 – Array Disconnect [2 separate switches][See diagram]

5.5 – Electrical System Grounding – no grounding to frame 5.7 – Wire, Insulation, Connections – properly sized wire

5.8 – Seating Position5.9 – Visibility

5.10 – Braking test at Low Speed and High Speed5.11 – Steering and turning radius [15-meters]5.12 – Warning Systems – Turn Signals, Hazards, and Horn5.13 – Driver Safety

(a) Safety Belt – 5 point lap & shoulder belt [Grade 8 bolts](b-c) Impact Protection(d) Windshield(e) Cockpit egress in 15 seconds(f) Fire extinguishers(g) Liquid container(h) belly pan(i) Forced Air Circulation(j) Driver seat provides neck support(k) Battery spill kit (baking soda)(l) Closed toe shoes

5.14 – Throttle5.15 – Covers & Shields5.16 – Electrical shock hazards5.17 - Radios

6. Nature of the Event – Cross-Country 6.2 – Taking part in special events6.3 – Items provided by Race6.5 – “Trailering” provisions6.6 – Driving Instructions6.7 – Charging6.8 – Impound

7. Scrutineering

8. Registration

9. Starting Order

10. Levels of Participation10.1.1 – Classic Division – array with 18% efficiency or less10.1.2 – Open Division – hub motor or array with greater efficiency10.1.3 – Advanced Division – use prefabricated molds or exotic batteries10.1.4 – Demonstration Division

12 – Driver Meeting

13. Overnight

14. Mandatory Stops

16. Accidents – requires re-inspection

18. Pushing

19. Support vehicles [Lead Car, No. 1 Chase Car, and No. 2 Chase Car]

23. Judging

24. Penalties

25. Protests

29. Responsibility to CHECK UPDATES